It can be easy to confuse coworking and office sharing, but they are different types of workspaces.
Coworking is where individuals or small teams rent single desks in a communal office space that is run by a serviced office provider. Office sharing, on the other hand, typically involves one company subletting their unused office space to one or multiple organisations.
Privacy & Customisation Options
One of the main advantages of office sharing is the increased levels of privacy and customisation. Businesses sharing an office have their own dedicated area of the workspace, which they can brand according to their needs.
Coworking spaces, however, offer less privacy as they are open-plan offices accommodating various companies and freelancers. There is also limited opportunity for branding or customisation.
Cost Differences: Renting a Coworking Desk Vs Office Sharing
Coworking memberships are all-inclusive and cover internet, utilities, and the use of onsite amenities for a single monthly fee.
Office sharing can appear to be cheaper as it often only includes the cost of rent, whilst utilities and maintenance are charged separately. These agreements also don’t factor in the furnishing and set-up costs.
Flexibility & Rental Terms
Coworking spaces offer maximum flexibility as they can be rented by the day, week or month. This allows businesses to add or remove memberships quickly.
Office-sharing agreements usually involve a sublease with a longer commitment, which can range from a few months to a few years.
Amenities & Services Available
Coworking spaces are found within serviced office buildings that provide a variety of onsite amenities. Depending on the building, these amenities can range from cafes to roof terraces and even gyms.
Most of these coworking centres have a managed reception which offers admin support such as call handling and postal collection. However, checking which services are included with the membership is important.
Shared offices are typically found in leased buildings with fewer facilities. Businesses will usually have to implement features such as breakout spaces and kitchens at their own cost. In addition, there may not be a reception area, which could be a necessity for companies that regularly host clients.
Networking & Community
The buzz of a coworking environment is one of its main advantages. Providers of coworking spaces often host events and workshops for tenants renting desks to network and collaborate. Serviced office buildings in areas like Central London are popular for businesses that rely on networking.
Office sharing generally involves fewer community activities, and networking can be limited as there are fewer companies in the workspace to interact with.
Types of Businesses Using Coworking and Office Sharing
It is important to note that any business can rent a coworking desk or enter into a shared office agreement.
We have found that typically, coworking is more popular with:
• Start-ups
• Small Businesses
• Freelancers/Remote workers
Office sharing can be better suited to:
• Established businesses
• Expanding teams
• Companies that require more privacy
Which Option is Better for Your Business?
The best option for your business depends on your specific needs.
Coworking offers flexibility, onsite amenities, and ample networking opportunities.
Office sharing is perfect for businesses that require privacy, customisation and stability.
